According to U.S. News, Harvey Mudd College has an acceptance rate of 10%, making it a “more selective” school. In the most recent application cycle, the Harvey Mudd Admissions team reviewed 4,794 applications and admitted 628 students. The small Harvey Mudd class size is a large factor in the low acceptance rate.
Roughly half of the students admitted to Harvey Mudd College had an SAT score between 1480-1560 or an ACT score of 34-36. In 2020, Harvey Mudd Admissions announced additional changes to their standardized testing policies. Harvey Mudd College no longer considers SAT subject test scores in the admissions process. Additionally, Harvey Mudd Admissions will be SAT/ACT test-optional for all applicants in 2021, 2022, and 2023 graduating classes.
Prospective students can submit their application to Harvey Mudd Admissions either through the Common App or the Coalition App. In addition to the longer personal essay prompt found in the 2023-2024 Common App and Coalition App, there are two Harvey Mudd College supplemental essays–a cultural diversity essay and another that focuses on humanities social sciences, and the arts (HSA). Both the cultural diversity essay and the HSA essay are required. For more information on writing great Harvey Mudd supplemental essays, read on for a link to our Harvey Mudd essay guide.
The Harvey Mudd Admissions team also requires a $70 application fee or fee waiver, a school report and counselor recommendation, two teacher recommendations, and an official high school transcript.
Additionally, students can arrange an optional admission interview. Although not required for admission, interviews are highly encouraged. The optional admission interview is a chance for students to share more information about themselves with the Harvey Mudd admissions committee that may not be highlighted elsewhere in their application. It is also an opportunity for students to learn more about the Harvey Mudd class size, Harvey Mudd majors, Harvey Mudd online courses, and more.
Harvey Mudd College’s Early Decision I application deadline is November 15. Early Decision II and Regular Decision share a January 5 application deadline. Curious to learn more about which application option is best for you? Check out our guide on when to apply!
For a detailed list of application requirements, please visit the Harvey Mudd Admissions website.